Arne Slot passed his first major examination as Liverpool manager with a statement 3-0 win at Man United thanks to Luis Diaz’s double and a Mohamed Salah strike on Sunday.
Slot has the unenviable task of succeeding Jurgen Klopp but has made a perfect start with a 100 percent record from three Premier League games to sit alongside Manchester City at the top of the table.
A second consecutive defeat leaves United boss Erik ten Hag already under pressure just three games into the new season.
The Dutchman survived an internal review at the end of last season after overseeing the club’s worst ever Premier League finish of eighth.
A shock FA Cup final win over Manchester City saved Ten Hag’s job and offered hope for a fresh start, particularly after being backed with a £200 million ($262 million) spend in the transfer market.
But all the hallmarks of United’s failings last season were exposed by the impressive visitors.
Casemiro was the fall guy for the home side as the Brazilian was at fault for both Diaz’s goals and hooked off at half-time in favour of youngster Toby Collyer.
United paraded new £42 million signing Manuel Ugarte before kick-off and must now hope the Uruguayan can have a transformational impact to shore up the midfield.
Liverpool, by contrast, did not delve into the market for a defensive midfielder and Slot’s decision to move Ryan Gravenberch into that role has proved an inspired early decision.
Despite Liverpool’s ascendency over United during Klopp’s reign, the German managed to win only two of his 11 away games against United.
(Vanguard)
